Ropinirole: current status of the studies.

Author(s): Jost WH

Affiliation(s): Dept. of Neurology, Deutsche Klinik fur Diagnostik, Aukammallee 33, 65191 Wiesbaden, Germany. jost.neuro@dkd-wiesbaden.de

Publication date & source: 2004-09, J Neurol., 251 Suppl 6:VI/13-8.

Publication type: Review

Ropinirole is a modern, non-ergoline dopamine agonist which has been shown to be effective as monotherapy as well as combination therapy against idiopathic Parkinson's disease. In addition to improving bradykinesia, rigor and tremor, it will ameliorate the abilities of daily living as well as depressive mood. The long-term complications of L-dopa are diminished and the existing complications are reduced. A neuroprotective effect is under discussion. In addition to Parkinson's disease, ropinirole is also used successfully in the treatment of restless legs syndrome.